American legend Phil Hill, the only American born driver to win the Formula One World Championship, has died at the age of 81. He succumbed to complications from Parkinsons disease.
Hill was an example of the all-rounders who pervaded Motor Racing in the 1950’s and 1960’s, a man equally at home in single seaters as he was in sports cars. In addition to winning the world title in 1961, for Ferrari, Hill also took victory in the Le Mans 24 hours race no fewer than three times.
Phil Hill was a very popular and regular face in the f1 paddock, acting as a host for tour operators and writing for the US magazine Road and Track after his retirement from racing in 1967, and a welcome figure on the vintage racing scene with appearances at the Goodwood Festival and Revival meetings.
His great friend – US legend Carroll Shelby – was among the many paying tribute last night:
“It's a sad day, "Phil was an excellent race car driver with a unique feel for the car, and his real expertise was in long-distance racing.” Shelby told the LA times yesterday.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemelo issued a statement earlier today, praising the American whose name will forever be associated with the Maranello marque:
"I, as well as all employees of Ferrari, am extremely saddened by the news of the passing of Phil Hill, a man and a champion who gave so much to Ferrari and who has always greatly represented the company's values inside and outside the racing track.
"Phil raced and won many competitions both with prototype cars, like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring, won three times each, as well as with F1 single seaters.
"With our car, Phil won the Formula One Championship title in 1961 as the first American-born to reach this result.
"Phil and I have always kept in touch throughout the years and I know I will miss his passion and love for Ferrari very much. My deepest sympathies are with his wife Alma and son Derek in this sad moment."
It is expected that F1, and in particular Ferrari, will pay tribute to a much loved man at the Belgian Grand Prix in a weeks time.
Written: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:46:57
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